Red Sox promote fast-rising top outfield prospect to High-A after recent surge

On Tuesday, the Boston Red Sox made a splash in their minor league system. They promoted fast-rising prospect Justin Gonzales to High-A.

Gonzales has absolutely flown through the minor leagues this season. The 18-year-old, ranked No. 7 in the organization via MLB Pipeline, started the season in the FCL. He spent a grand total of one game (four at-bats) there and was promptly promoted to Single-A.

Gonzales appeared in 81 games for Salem. The right-handed hitting outfielder slashed .298/.381/.423 with 23 doubles, two triples, and four home runs at the level. He drove in 27 runs, scored 45 more, and stole 11 bases.

Gonzales has shown an advanced eye at the plate. It’s one of the things that has impressed scouts the most this year. He also possesses terrifying power potential, but he needs to work on elevating the ball more to let that power shine through.

Red Sox promote top prospect Justin Gonzales to High-A

Gonzales has only appeared in the outfield this season for Salem (27 games in center, 23 games in right, 15 games in left). However, he appeared in 32 games at first base in 2023 and 32 more games at first base in 2024 while in the DSL (Dominican Summer League). That could be a position we see more from him in the future (especially if he continues to grow).

Gonzales is in the best position to move up rapidly next season. The Red Sox getting him a few weeks at the High-A level to finish the year should tell you how high they are on him.

Playing in Salem’s pitcher-friendly ballpark certainly muted some of the 6’4”, 210-pound kid’s power. There were a lot of doubles high off the wall that would’ve been home runs at other parks, or fly balls that died on the track that would’ve cleared the wall elsewhere.

With that in mind, it will be great to see Gonzales play in Greenville at a park modeled more after Fenway Park (including a Green Monster in left field). We’ll also get a chance to see him go apartment hunting with those condominiums in left and center field.

However, it’s important to remember that, at 18, Gonzales is more than four years younger than the average age in the South Atlantic League. It won’t be shocking if he takes a little time to adjust to the level. So please don’t get too down on him if these last few weeks aren’t filled with highlights.

The promotion was well-deserved, and Boston fans now get a better chance to see Justin Gonzales in a playoff push with Greenville. That could create some memorable moments.